Maxwell named THS basketball coach

Thomasville High School turned to the football team to find its new basketball coach.
THS named Gil Maxwell as its new boy’s basketball coach on Friday. Maxwell is in first year at THS and served as a running backs coach with the football team last fall.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Maxwell said. “When the position came open I just applied like everyone else. I guess they thought I was best man for the job. I’m very pleased and I hope I don’t disappoint them.”
Maxwell replaces Tony Clark, who resigned following a disappointing 2012-13 season. Maxwell, 46, said he is looking forward to building the once-dominant program from the ground up. He plans to show multiple looks on defense, including a full-court trap and press, and feature a spread, motion offense.
“I want to get the young men to understand how to work and play hard,” said Maxwell. “I want us to get after people. We want to establish a reputation of playing good, hard, fundamental basketball. I think the expectations here are to go out and compete and play hard. If you do those things well, wins will take care of itself.”
Maxwell’s nearly 20-year career includes head coaching stints at Ledford High School (1997-2000) and Alleghany High School (2004-08), where he was the girls coach.
“His experience as a head basketball coach was a huge plus,” THS Athletic Director Steve Bare said. “I just think he’s the right man for the job based on his commitment to the ideals I think are really important, which are dedication and hard work.”
Bare feels Maxwell’s passion, experience and familiarity with the students will help bring the Bulldogs back to prominence.
“He is an outstanding technical and fundamental coach,” said Bare. “I know he’s going to work hard. He’s formed a relationship with some of the core guys on the team as a classroom teacher. I think that’s going to be a plus for him, too. They know what his expectations are. He may not have as difficult a transition time as someone who comes in from outside the building.”
Maxwell, a High Point Central and High Point University graduate, teaches algebra. He’s been coaching football and basketball for 19 and 17 years, respectively.